Kaisa

When I joined Vizient in Fall 2018, it was as a dedicated strategic advisor to the Sutter Health Ambulatory Division, working hand in hand with the head of that organization to develop a strategy across his team and their sites (over 2000 in all) to improve efficiency, reduce cost and monitor changes over time. The first person I met, was Mark Drafton, the leader of that team. And it was obvious from the moment we met, we were male and female, white and black, but yet, seemingly identical in so many other respects and quickly became colleagues and close friends. Mark was based at a site in Santa Rosa and on his team was a young woman who was, for all intents and purposes, like his own child, and that woman was Kaisa.

From the time we all began working together, it was a partnership made in heaven. Like working with family. Mark was the patriarch of that family and as anyone who met him would tell you, he would go into battle with ANYONE to protect his family and his identity. Kaisa had a terrier named Boba (he had the BEST outfits) and he would come to the office and we would all laugh and laugh. I watched and helped as Mark and Kaisa took on insurmountable challenges over the days that followed. Fires ravaging California and Sutter sites closing. These two, on the front line making sure supplies got through. Heroes by any definition.

One of the things Mark admired most about Kaisa was her commitment to running. When I met Kaisa, she was in training every single day. Running marathons regularly. And in fact, was prepping for the Boston Marathon. When she left for the race, I remember Mark calling me and saying, “Andi! We can track Kaisa on GPS while she is racing!!!” And he did. All day. Updating me every 10 minutes on her pace and progress.

Sadly, on June 8, 2020, we lost Mark to a catastrophic blood clot following a bike ride, a passion he had for many years. I know that for Kaisa, this was a devastating loss having just gone through the grief of her father passing the previous October, with whom she was very close. I had suffered the loss of my manager at work just a short time earlier (suspected that he was one of the first casualties of Covid) and was also not in the best place emotionally. Kaisa and I shared a lot of tears and memories when we lost Mark. I know it really had a massive emotional toll on her, and with the love and support of her amazing partner, her son and her friends, she persevered. She once again rose.

Since then, Kaisa has gotten ANOTHER degree (GO KAISA!!!!). Her son has graduated high school. Her partner has changed jobs and they are heading on the next adventure (are you REALLY moving to Florida???). And through it all, Kaisa and I have stayed close friends. She is truly one of the kindest, most caring, altruistic humans I have ever known. Mark used to say to me, “that Kaisa, when she is dedicated to something, she just puts her whole self into it” and that describes exactly how I see her. She pours herself entirely into everything she does and I just love her so much for it.

My next stained glass portrait is entitled, “Kaisa.” It is based on a picture from the Boston Marathon because it will always be a reminder of Mark, the friend who we both shared such a love for and who was the conduit to our friendship. She has awesome cool dichroic sunglasses and is wearing the finish line ribbon. Her headband has textured glass to represent the sweat she poured into the event and has fabric with the words, “The greatest glory in life lies not in never falling, but in being able to rise again and again“ placed on top. Her tank top has red fabric, like the day of the race, but it has pictures of little doggies in pjs and if you look closely, you will find Boba in there. Her face has red pressed flowers and lightening bolt glitter and the words, “True friends take us by the hand so we know we are never alone in the journey.” I am so glad to be holding hands in this journey with you, Kaisa. Love you girl!